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Joshua 3:1-4:24; Luke 14:7-35; Psalm 80:1-19; Proverbs 12:27-28
“Now great crowds were traveling with Him. So He turned and said to them: ‘If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sister – yes, and even his own life – he cannot be My disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” (Luke14:25-27)
Kind of sounds like He’s trying to talk you out of salvation huh. Not really, God’s heart is that all would be saved, however, He wants us to make a solid decision. Salvation is free but it wasn’t cheap, it cost Jesus everything. Kind of like the pig and the chicken. They got together one morning and the chicken suggested they provide breakfast for the farmer. The pig said, “That’s easy for you, you’re giving an offering, I’m making a total sacrifice.” Jesus didn’t give an egg, a by-product, He went in whole hog and gave it everything!
I hate to tell you but He expects no less from His followers. If we are to be disciples of Jesus and share in His reward we must first share in His suffering. We have to confidently go all in knowing that God is worthy and faithful. He said to bear your cross. A cross is a device of death, we are a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1), therefore, we are to apply that cross to anything that hinders us from fully following our Lord. God isn’t literally saying that He wants you to “hate” your peeps or yourself. He is merely saying that nothing can come before Him. It’s not always the easiest commitment to keep but it is the most worthwhile. I’ve found that when I seek Him first, everything else has been added to me. (Matthew 6:33) Amazing!
Have you counted the cost? Are you determined to be led by the Holy Spirit? Are you willing to learn and accept rebuke when necessary? Will you still serve God when you can’t understand what’s happening around you? Even if it cost you everything can you say like the Apostle Peter, “To whom shall we go Lord for you have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68)
PRAYER:
Lord, I pray You will mold and shape me into the person You desire me to be. I am Yours. I pray for Your peace that passes all understanding to keep my heart and mind. Please be patient with me and help me to be patient with others as we all grow into this body. I pray we will all do our part to fulfill Your vision. May Your will be done in earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. |
